FXU Athletics warms up the engines at BUCS

As a tradition, the 2019 British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) indoor championships were held in Sheffield, at the English Institute of Sport. FXU Athletic’s team took six athletes to one of the most important university indoor competitions’ of the winter.

FXU Athletics Team at BUCS

On The Women’s Side:

Megan Bailey, President of the Club and team’s first athlete to compete at the British Champs, came 8th in the pole vault final, setting the foundations for an explosive summer. Maybe this competition won’t be remembered on the records’ tables, but Meg will use this experience to further improve herself and achieve even greater results in the warmer seasons (when it will really count).

Laura Armorgie, the team’s first BUCS medallist in 2018, came into the competition after a long injury which deeply affected her winter training. However, Laura still managed to qualify for the high jump final (1.63m) and achieved an impressive 9th position overall (1.66m). This was a significant experience for the 2018 bronze medallist, who set her season’s best and learnt more about how to capitalise on her potential in the next summer season.

Chanel Roberts, Social Secretary and a first timer at BUCS, competed on the 200m (29.99s) and 400m (68.89s). Bringing home two indoor personal bests and a lot of confidence for the competitions ahead. It was a great opportunity for Chanel who had previously never competed at such a high level but still managed to do well and experience significant racing scenarios.

On the Men’s Side:

Adam Cox, Vice President, competed in the 200m (25.64s) improving from last year’s 25.71s. Adam’s winter preparation mainly involved training for longer distances with only a few speed-endurance sessions. Despite this, he still managed to enhance his indoor performances and this competition will be good preparation for any future tournaments that he may be a part of.

Giuliano Formisano, Track Captain, competed in the 800m (2’09’’.31). He is currently training for the cross-country season and this affected his speed capacities during the race. BUCS marked the starting point for the summer preparation. Overall, good form and a decent result, given the little speed-endurance training done in the past months.

Ben Brooks, fresher and first time at BUCS, competed in the 400m (54.66s), showing great form and race tactic abilities, which will help him in the outdoors. Ben’s last 400m was in April last year, so BUCS was a fantastic opportunity for him to come back to track races and test his shape. Very good potential for the future, he still has BUCS outdoors and two years at university to show us what he is made of.

Finally, the FXU team shared this experience at BUCS with the University of Plymouth Athletics Team. Patrick Swan (a silver medalist in the Shot-Put) and Tom Harris (200m) added invaluable company and funny moments to remember.